Storage and playback device and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

A storage and playback device is capable of being detachably coupled to an output device, such as speakers of an automobile. The device includes a wireless transceiver to receive compressed digital content automatically from a computer system via a wireless local area network based on user defined preferences input into the computer system. The wireless transceiver is communicably coupled to the wireless local area network when the wireless transceiver is a predetermined distance from a wireless local area network access point. The device also includes a decoder and converter to decompress and convert the digital content. The decompressed and converted digital content is sent to be played on the output device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/011,285, filed on Jan.21, 2011, which is a Division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/717,430, filed Mar. 13, 2007, which is aContinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/052,057, filed Oct.19, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,200,357), which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/242,049, filed Oct. 20, 2000, eachof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ubiquitous computing devicesand, more particularly, to providing digital content from the Internetto a computing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rapid buildup of telecommunications infrastructure combined withsubstantial investment in Internet-based businesses and technology hasbrought Internet connectivity to a large segment of the population.Recent market statistics show that a majority of households in the U.S.own at least one personal computer (PC), and a significant number ofthese PCs are connected to the Internet. Although the majority ofhousehold PC are connected to the Internet by dialup modem connections,broadband connectivity is being rapidly adopted and is decreasing inprice as a variety of technologies are introduced and compete in themarketplace. A large majority of households in the U.S. and Europe areviable for at least one or more type of broadband connection, such ascable, DSL, optical networks, fixed wireless, or two-way satellitetransmission that LAN data-rates are increasing much faster thanwide-area (broadband) data-rates, such as the data-rates provided by“last mile” technologies including DSL, DOCSIS.

The availability of home networking technology and broadbandproliferation brings with it the introduction of the residentialgateway, a device that exists to connect a local area network ornetworks in the home, to the Internet. There are many types of gatewaysincluding DSL modems and cable modem. Digital cable set-top boxes arenow being introduced with integral DOCSIS cable modem and hard diskdrives. Other residential gateways have been introduced that include PCcomparable processing power and hard disk drives, as well as cable andDSL modems, and LAN transceivers.

While networked PCs with Internet connectivity provide greaterconvenience for productivity applications, there are other trends thatare influencing end user's content experiencing habits. Most notably,the digitization of virtually all media types is creating contentportability and reusability that are affording new uses and contentpresentation scenarios. For example, Personal Video Recorders (hereafterPVRs) are increasing in popularity. These devices are an improvement onVCR “time-shifting” functionality, allowing users to record, pause, andstart live broadcast media, almost in real time. These devices digitizeterrestrially broadcast television content and store the files on a harddisk drive, providing much faster random access, fast-forwarding, andrewinding. A graphical user interface is provided that allows users tomake content preference selections.

The MP3 digital audio format is an audio encoding technology that allowsconsumers to further compress digital audio files such as those found onCompact Disks, to much smaller sizes with very little loss in soundquality. For example, the MP3 format allows for compression of audiocontent to approximately 1 million bytes per minute of audio, at nearCompact Disk quality. The smaller size of MP3 encoded audio files hasenabled these files to be shared by users across the Internet, since thedigital transfer of these files can be completed in a reasonable amountof time with a broadband connection. A variety of Internet-based digitalmusic access and distribution services have appeared that provide meansfor users to gain access to digital audio files.

In addition to music, many other types of audio content are nowavailable in digital format, such as spoken-word content, news,commentary, and educational content. Digital files containing audiorecordings of books being read aloud are available for download via theInternet.

PC-based digital audio software players, such as WinAmp provided byAOL/TimeWarner, have been created that provide a convenient graphicaluser interface and software decoding of MP3 files. PC software digitalaudio players allow users to play MP3 files on their PC, using anexisting sound card with external speakers. Software digital audioplayers typically include playlist editors, which are applications thatallows users to organize their MP3 or other digital music files.Playlists are files that include names and file system path designationsto file based digital audio files.

Users who amass a large quantity of digital audio files often have adesire to listen to those audio files at places other than at the PC.Portable MP3 playback devices have been developed for this purpose.Portable MP3 playback devices are significantly smaller than portable CDplayers because they contain no moving parts, only solid-state flashmemory, a microprocessor for decoding MP3-formatted audio content, andbatteries.

One limitation of portable MP3 playback devices is that the cost per bitof audio content stored is still very high because of the high cost offlash memory. The typical portable digital audio playback deviceincludes enough flash memory to store about one CD's worth of digitalmusic. MP3 enthusiasts may own hundreds or thousands of MP3 files. Theresult is that the user is burdened with having to continually manuallychange the music files in the device by plugging the device into the PCand operating a user interface to delete and add new music if they wantto listen to a wide range of music.

Digital audio enthusiasts, as well as music enthusiasts in general, havea desire to listen to their audio collections in their automobiles.Evidence of this is the market success of automotive-based CD changers.Since user's typically do not purchase multiple copies of CDs, they mustmanually transport CDs between the automobile and home stereo system ifthey want to listen to the audio content at both locations.

Telematics is a field of technology that includes mobile,automobile-based telecommunications. Increasingly, automobiles include avariety of telematics equipment and capabilities, such as on-boardcellular communications and navigation systems. However, due to the costper bit of transmitted data, even in 2.5 G and 3 G systems, it is costprohibitive to transfer large amounts of file-based content, such asaudio or graphics files, to the automobile via the cellular system.

What is required is a system for automatically and convenientlytransforms digital content to a device, such as one for use inconnection with an automobile, where it can be stored and played backaccording to the user's preference. Additionally, the system shouldinclude a system for selecting content to be automatically delivered orrefreshed at the device on a regular basis. The system should also allowusers to access their music on the device by the use of the sameplaylist structure in the home.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A storage and playback device and method for using the same aredescribed. The storage and playback device is, for example, capable ofbeing detachably coupled to an automobile. The device includes awireless transceiver to receive compressed digital content automaticallyfrom a computer system via a wireless local area network based on userdefined preferences input into the computer system. The wirelesstransceiver is communicably coupled to the wireless local area networkwhen the wireless transceiver is a predetermined distance from awireless local area network access point. The device also includes adecoder and converter to decompress and convert the digital content. Thedecompressed and converted digital content is sent to be played on anoutput device associated with the device, for example the output deviceof an automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken tolimit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanationand understanding only:

FIG. 1. illustrates is schematic block diagram of an exemplary LAN-basedcontent delivery and playback system;

FIG. 2. illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary LAN-based automobilecaching and playback sub-system as it is installed in an automobile;

FIG. 3. illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary LAN-basedcaching and playback sub-system;

FIG. 4. illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary storage anddatalink unit;

FIG. 5. illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary storage anddatalink unit with one side of the enclosure removed;

FIG. 6. illustrates a section view of an exemplary snap latch engagedwith the enclosure;

FIG. 7. illustrates a section view of an exemplary snap latch disengagedwith the enclosure;

FIG. 8. illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary user interfacecontrol unit;

FIG. 9. illustrates an exemplary LAN-based content delivery systemantenna subsystem;

FIG. 10. illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary storage andplayback system connected to a car stereo via an FM antenna;

FIG. 11. illustrates an exemplary PC desktop with a audio deviceplaylist editor;

FIG. 12. illustrates an exemplary PC desktop with a content subjectguide page;

FIG. 13. illustrates an exemplary PC desktop with a graphical userinterface of a content selection web page;

FIG. 14. illustrates an exemplary storage gateway system to storage andplayback system synchronization flow chart;

FIG. 15. illustrates an exemplary user interface module LCD sequence;

FIG. 16. illustrates an exemplary hard disk drive with a heating elementattached;

FIG. 17. illustrates an exemplary integrated head unit;

FIG. 18. illustrates an exemplary storage and playback system with anaudio/visual media player;

FIG. 19. illustrates a schematic of an exemplary wireless media serversystem located in an automobile;

FIG. 20. illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary Ethernet-basedserver system; and

FIG. 21. illustrates an exemplary telematics system with both wirelessLAN and wireless WAN communications capabilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A storage and playback device and method for using the same aredescribed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention can be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoidobscuring the present invention.

A set of definitions is provided below to clarify the present invention:

The term “content” is used to refer to digital audio, video, images, orinteractive multimedia.

A network is defined as two or more computer devices of any type, suchas a personal computer (PC), network appliance, or PDA, connectedtogether by a digital communication link. A device that has acommunication link to the network is often referred to as a node. Alocal area network (LAN) is defined as a plurality of nodes connected bythe network that are in physically close proximity.

The term gateway, used interchangeably with broadband gateway, isdefined as an integral modem and router, and may include hubfunctionality. The modem (modulator/demodulator) function is used tochange voltage fluctuations on an input carrier line (a DSL line inputor a cable TV input) into digital data Routers are devices that connectone distinct network to another by passing only certain IP addressesthat are targeted for specific networks. Hubs allow one network signalinput to be split and thus sent to many devices.

A storage gateway or storage gateway system combines mass storagecapability with a gateway. For example, a Personal Computer (PC)connected to a broadband cable modem gateway is considered a storagegateway system. A digital cable set-top box with DOCSIS cable modem anda hard disk drive is also considered to be a storage gateway system.

A CODEC, an acronym for “compression/decompression”, is a softwarealgorithm function implemented in software or software and hardware forcompressing and decompressing audio, graphic, or moving picture data.For example, MP3 is a well-known CODEC format and is a naming conventionfor MPEG layer 3, which is the digital audio layer in an MPEG encodedvideo data file.

Subscription is defined to mean a content service whereby new content isperiodically provided based on a content selection parameter, such as aparticular artist, editorialist, or genre. Subscription services may bepaid for by the user or can be ad-supported (free to the user). Anexample of a subscription service is a audio sports news file that isdownloaded to a user's PC every day.

Providing now an overview of the system, the basic function is toprovide a system for delivering digital file-based content to a device,for example one to be associated with an automobile, for playback by auser, and involves wireless communication and information (content)transfer between the Internet and home PC 18, and the local area network(LAN)-based storage and playback system 10. The content may betransferred automatically and periodically, and/or under the directcontrol of the user.

The system includes a broadband connection connected to a PC 18 with awireless LAN access point 30, located in a residence or at a specificfixed site. There is a LAN-based storage and playback system 10, forexample located in the automobile, that includes a computer system witha hard disk drive and a wireless LAN transceiver. Anytime the device iswithin range of the wireless LAN access point 30, the computer system inthe device becomes a node on the wireless LAN, and content maybetransferred from the Internet and home PC 18. The content may be storedin the hard disk drive in the automobile. In terms of its placement intoan automobile, in one embodiment, the storage and playback system 10 isschematically similar to systems incorporating multi-CD changers thatare typically located in the trunk.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described first in termsof the hardware components of the system, then the software components.Finally, the operation of the system will be described. Alternativeembodiments will also be described.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic of the LAN-based content deliverysystem is shown. In one embodiment, a PC 18 located in the home isconnected to the Internet via a broadband connection 38 using a DOCSIScable modem 22, and comprises a storage gateway system PC 18 includes ahard disk drive 26 and a wireless LAN access point 30, which isconnected to PC 18 via a USB connection. In one embodiment, wireless LANtechnology based on the IEEE 802.11b specification is used. The wirelessLAN 30 system described uses socket-based communication protocols,specifically the TCP/IP standard.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic of the storage and playback system10 is shown super-imposed on an automobile 42. In FIG. 2, a dashed linedenotes electrical lines that are connected at dock 126. In oneembodiment, the storage and playback system 10 is integrated into anautomobile 42 with an existing conventional car stereo 46. Storage andplayback system 10 includes a storage and datalink unit 14, and a userinterface control module 50. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of thecomponents of the storage and playback system 10. Storage and datalinkunit 14 includes a microprocessor 82, flash memory 86, dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) 90, a power conversion and battery chargingsub-system 94, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 98, a PC card hostcontroller 102, a PC card connector 110, a USB host controller 106 and a10 gigabyte hard disk drive 112, and a rechargeable internal battery122. A wireless LAN PC card 114 is included and located in the PC cardconnector 110 slot. The electronic components and sub-systems of thestorage and datalink unit 14 are functionally connected via a printedcircuit board 118.

Storage and datalink unit 14, shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, may beremovably attached to automobile 42 by being placed in a dock 126 thatis permanently installed in automobile 42. The dock 126 includes acavity for accepting storage and datalink unit 14. Note that in FIG. 5that internal battery 122 has been removed so as not to obscure theother components. In one embodiment, storage and datalink unit 14 ismounted in the trunk. In other embodiments, storage and datalink unit 14is mounted underneath a seat, or in the glove compartment.

In one embodiment, storage and datalink unit 14 may be locked onto dock126 using two attachment latches 130 and 134 rotatably attached oneither side of dock 126. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a detail view of how latches130 and 134 function. Latch 130 and 134 includes a latch cam 138 that isa cam lobe positioned such that it contacts the dock 126 and tightens aslatch 130 rotates toward storage and datalink unit 14. Latch 130slightly untightens as latch 130 moves over-center and the latch catch140 is located in the latch slot 152 on the enclosure 150. Thisovercenter action insures that latches 130 and 134 stay in the lockedposition. To remove storage and datalink unit 14 from dock 126, the userrotates latches 130 and 134 away from storage and datalink unit 14, andlifts storage and datalink unit 14 out of dock 126.

The bottom cap 146 of storage and datalink unit 14 includes a dataconnector and a power connector that connect to correspondingly placedconnectors on dock 126. Dock 126 connectors functionally connect storageand datalink unit 14 to unswitched and switched car battery power 278and 282, connect analog audio signal 286 output to the car stereo 46head unit, and connect storage and datalink unit 14 to user interfacecontrol module 50 in the passenger compartment via a serial connection290. A coaxial connector A 190 and connector B 194 is also included forconnecting wireless LAN transceiver 114 to an antenna extensionsub-system 178 that is also located in automobile 42. Storage anddatalink unit 14 enclosure 150, top cap 142, and bottom cap 146, consistof injection-molded plastic.

FIG. 8 shows user interface control module 50 that includes amicroprocessor, LCD with integral backlight 52, and buttons for allowingthe user to control the system, including the following buttons: poweron/off 74, play/pause 54, stop 58, forward track 62, and backward track66. A four-way navigation toggle 70 is also provided, as well as a tagbutton 78. The electronic components of user interface control module 50are functionally connected via a printed circuit board. User interfacecontrol module 50 is housed in an injection-molded plastic enclosure.FIG. 4 shows that the storage and datalink unit 14 includes a handle 154integral to the top cap 142 to use for carrying the storage and datalinkunit 14.

FIG. 5 shows that hard disk drive 112 is mounted in storage and datalinkunit 14 enclosure 150 with a vibration dampening subsystem so thatvibrations and impulse loads are not transferred from the automobile 42motion to the platters and heads inside hard disk drive 112. Thevibration dampening subsystem includes of two elastomeric suspensioncaps 158, one each attached to the top and bottom of hard disk drive112. The elastomeric suspension caps 158 have rectilinear concavitiesthat fit over the ends if hard disk drive 112. Additionally, four screwsare placed through holes in the elastomeric suspension caps 158 thatcorrespond with mounting screw holes on hard disk drive 112, to furthersecure elastomeric suspension caps 158 to the hard disk drive 112. Eachelastomeric suspension cap 158 includes two suspension flexures 162 thatare narrow sections of the elastomeric material that extend laterallyaway from hard disk drive 112. These suspension flexures 162 elasticallydeform during shock loads.

FIG. 5 also shows that suspension flexures 162 have integral suspensionmounts 166 that attach to suspension pins 170 integral to enclosure 150.The geometry of elastomeric suspension caps 158 and flexures 162 aresuch that the storage and datalink unit 14 enclosure 150 can moverelative to hard disk drive 112 in multiples axes of motion duringimpulse and vibration loads, to absorb the shock of automobile 42motions. However, hard disk drive 112 cannot come into contact with anyaspect of enclosure 150 or other components other than elastomericsuspension caps 158. A flexible ribbon cable (not shown) electricallyconnects hard disk drive 112 to the computer sub-system. Elastomericsuspension caps 158 are homogeneous parts molded out of Dynaflexthermoplastic elastomer, provided by GLS Corporation, of Illinois.

In one embodiment, resistance temperature device (RTD) temperaturesensor 174, shown in FIG. 5 is conductively attached to hard disk drive112 with conductive epoxy, and is electrically connected tomicroprocessor 82.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, an antenna extension sub-system178 is used to insure that a dipole antenna 182 is positioned to receivea clear signal from wireless LAN access point 30. Dipole antenna 182 atthe end of a shielded coaxial wire 186 is positioned on the top surfaceof the rear seat deck in automobile 42. In another embodiment, antenna182 is mounted behind a plastic bumper cover. A length of shieldedcoaxial cable 186 extends into the trunk where it is terminated with oneside of a coaxial connector A 190 at dock 126. A printed circuit boardantenna 198 is fixed in storage and datalink unit 14 enclosure 150 inclose proximity to wireless LAN PC card transceiver 114 antenna 116. Ashielded coaxial cable 187 is connected to printed circuit board antenna198 and terminates with a coaxial connector B 194 that mates to coaxialconnector A 190 when storage and datalink unit 14 is placed into dock126.

In one embodiment, the output of DAC 98 is plugged directly into linelevel inputs in the existing car stereo 46 system head unit. DAC 98converts decompressed digital audio to an analog signal at line levels.In this case the existing car stereo 46 system must provide the abilityto switch to an auxiliary source. In another embodiment, shownschematically in FIG. 10, the analog audio signal 286 that is outputfrom storage and datalink unit 14 is input into the automobile audiosystem by being plugged into an FM antenna tap 206. The analog outputfrom DAC is modulated by an FM modulator 202. To use this set-up, theuser must tune the existing car stereo to an FM frequency at the low endof the FM band, such as 87.5, and the audio content is played on theexisting car stereo 46 system This type of connection into existing carstereos 46 is commonly found in after-market CD changers.

Considering now the software and system control applications andreferring again to FIG. 1, a system control application 210 runs on PC18 and is comprised of two sub-applications, the core module 214 and thegraphical user interface (GUI) module 218. Core module 214 manages thebasic communication between Internet and PC 18, and PC 18 and betweenstorage and playback system 10. In one embodiment, core module 214 isimplemented as a multi-threaded Java application running on a PC 18. AWindows version of a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) resides and runs on PC18 and interprets core module 214 instructions for the windows operatingsystem.

Core module 214 includes the portion of the system control application210 that acts on content and data 234 from Internet 222 and alsoprocesses communications with storage and playback system 10, providing,but not limited to, the following functions:

1. Communication links: a. Accessing content on Internet at a prescribedlocation as determined by user inputs into the GUI content editors suchas web-based content selection guide 246, b. Communicating with GUImodule 218, and c. Accessing and communicating with storage and playbacksystem 10;

2. Managing the caching (local storage) of content from Internet orotherwise digital content files 234;

3. Reading from and writing to content database 226;

4. Transfer of content files 234 from Internet 222 to LAN-based system:a. Managing and routing transfers of digital content files 234 fromInternet 222 to storage and playback system 10, and b. Managing androuting transfers of cached digital content files 234 on PC 18 tostorage and playback system 10;

5. Scheduling—time-based automation of the accessing, caching, andtransfer of content 234 from Internet 222 at times prescribed by theuser or at times derived by direction given by rules through the GUIcontent editors such as web-based content selection guide 246. Thescheduling function accesses time and date inputs associated withactions stored in content database 226 by GUI module 218. The schedulingfunction periodically compares these time and date entries with thecurrent state of PC 18 internal timer. When there is a match, the actionis taken;

6. Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing—digital file 234transfers that occur directly from the Internet 222 to storage andplayback system 10 require a real time connection to Internet 222;

7. Storage and playback system 10 Application/Software Delivery—storageand playback system 10 control firmware 270 updates can be stored at PC18 and delivered to storage and playback system 10 on an as-neededbasis. For example, a new or updated CODEC 274 (sent as a BLOB—binarylarge object) can be delivered to storage and playback system 10 viawireless LAN 34 and installed into memory. Other types of applicationscan be delivered to storage and playback system 10;

8. Transcoding—Certain types of content 234 will be received at PC 18,decoded, re-encoded using a different CODEC at PC 18, and thentransferred to storage and playback system 10;

9. Auto-discovery—storage and playback system 10 will automaticallyauthenticate on wireless LAN 34 when in range. Core module 214 listensfor periodic broadcasts from storage and playback system 10;

10. Message Transactions—text or other content or data 234 from theInternet 222 can be transferred to storage and playback system 10 andpresented on LCD 52;

11. Tag servicing—Tagging is described in greater detail later in thisdocument. Tag servicing includes a function where core module 214periodically accesses a specific location on Internet 222 to acquire andstore an accurate time and date; and

12. Synchronization—Data, such as user data and related information,such as an accurate time and date, must be synchronized across the threeplatforms (web, storage and playback system 10, and PC 18). Core module214 time and date data is thus synchronized with an external (absolute)standard.

GUI module 218 is implemented as a Win32 application and resides andruns on PC 18. GUI module 218 is used by end users to organize andmanage digital content 234 and content preferences. User contentselections made using GUI module 218 are stored in a local contentdatabase 226 by core module 214. Based on user inputs into GUI module218, core module 214 modifies content database 226 using methods calledover HTTP and expressed with XML grammar. Two examples of GUI module 218functions are provided below to show how system control application 210functions to deliver content to storage and playback system 10. An audioplaylist editor 238 is described that allows users to organize theirlocal audio content 234; and a web-based content selection guide 246 isdescribed that allow users to select digital subscription contentservices.

GUI module 218 includes segments of the software application that runthe GUI, including, but not limited to, the following functions:

1. Displaying GUI elements on a computer display for view by the enduser;

2. Acknowledging user responses made via mouse and keyboard, or otherpointing and interaction devices;

3. Allowing for manipulation of the GUI elements such as: a. drag anddrop of content objects, b. GUI button activations, c. text entry, d.pull down menu and menu selections; and e. initiation and operation ofdialog boxes; and

4. Communication between GUI module 218 and core module 214. Theselections and control manipulations made by the end user arecommunicated to core module 214 where they can be acted upon.

System control application 210 is designed to function with a number ofinstances of core module 214, content database, and GUI module 218running concurrently on multiple PC 18s and or storage gateways, allconnected by the same LAN. It is anticipated that users will own andoperate multiple PCs 18 in a single home for example, with differentcontent cached on each PC 18. In another embodiment, a digital set-topbox with a DOCSIS cable modem 22 and a wireless LAN transceiver couldinclude an instance of core module 214 and content database 226 inaddition to the instance on PC 18. In one embodiment, the focus will beon a singular GUI module 218 located and executed on a PC 18.

FIG. 11 shows the audio playlist editor 238 as it appears to the user onPC desktop 236, and shows that there are three levels of organization:channels 250, playlists 254, and tracks 258. Channels 250 are lists ofplaylists 254, and playlists 254 are lists of tracks 258. A track 258(audio file name) shown in audio playlist editor 238 is a GUI elementthat signifies a file and a path designation on hard disk drive 26 on PC18, and a listing in content database 226. Using the audio playlisteditor 238, users can create, delete, and rearrange channels 250 andplaylists 254, can rearrange track 258 orders, and can add tracks 258 toplaylists 254 by navigating to the location of the local digital audiofiles 234 using a standard Windows dialog box. Tracks 258 can also beadded to playlists 254 by dragging and dropping digital audio file 234icons from windows onto the track field of the audio playlist editor238.

The user may obtain digital audio files 234 that are stored on PC 18hard disk drive 26, such as MP3 files, in a variety of ways, andorganize these files, otherwise known as tracks 258, into channels 250and playlists 254 using an audio playlist editor 238 aspect of GUImodule 218, as described above and shown in FIG. 8. Audio deviceplaylist editor also includes the ability to select specific channels250 or playlists 254 to be replicated on storage and playback system 10.As shown in FIG. 11, this function is accessed by right-clicking on achannel 250 or playlist 254 name and selecting “sync with auto”. Aright-click pull down menu 262 is shown in FIG. 11. For example, a usercan make a channel 250 entitled “MyCar” and include several playlists254 each including several songs, and then make the “sync with Auto”selection. Subsequently, only the “MyCar” channel 250 and all childplaylists 254 and tracks 258 win be wirelessly synchronized into storageand playback system 10. The right-click menu on each channel 250 andplaylist 254 also includes a “sync now” selection, which initiates thesynchronization and subsequent file transfer process immediately(assuming that automobile 42 is within range of wireless LAN 34).

Additionally, a selection is included under the “options” menu toautomatically synchronize all channels 250 and playlists 254 withlocally cached content 234. If selection to synchronize all channels 250is not selected in the “options” menu, then no files are transferred tostorage and playback system 10.

A user may also make selections for receiving periodic content deliveredto storage and playback system 10 using a web-based content selectionguide 246 aspect of GUI module 218, as described above and shown in FIG.10. Selections made using the web-based content guide 246 for periodiccontent services require system control application 210 to periodicallyaccess Internet 222 servers where content is located and download andcache content locally on PC 18 hard disk drive 26. These contentselections made by user using aspects of GUI module 218 are recorded incontent database 226 by core module 214.

In one embodiment, the web-based content selection guide 246 simplifiesand facilitate the discovery and selection of subscription contentservices on the Internet 222 for periodic distribution into storage andplayback system 10. Referring now to FIG. 12, web-based content subjectguide 242 is html-formatted web pages accessed through a mini-browser,and shows a range of content subjects 248. Selecting “NPR” on web-basedcontent subject guide 242 results in the content selection web page 246shown in FIG. 14. A content selection 264 with a check box 268 is shown.Selections made using this interface result in the creation of pointersto locations of digital audio files 234 on Internet 222 servers. Thesefiles are periodically accessed and downloaded to PC 18 hard disk drive26 for subsequent transfer to storage and playback system 10. Theperiodicity at which subscription content files 234 are downloaded arebased on rules provided by each content provider. For example, somecontent files 234 are refreshed on the content provider's Internet 222server on a daily basis at 1:00 am. In this case, one rule for accessingthe server and downloading the content file 234 is that it must happenafter 1:00 am. The pointers to Internet 222 content files 234 as well asthe rules governing the downloading of files 234 are stored in contentdatabase 226.

Web-based content guide capability may include, but is not limited tothe following functionality:

1. Content type—As per FIG. 12, an interface is provided that beginswith general content subject 248 links, and as the user makesselections, the content subjects 248 become more specific and culminatein the presentation to the user of content selections 264;

2. Content Selection 264—As per FIG. 13, a user may subscribe to a dailyversion of a radio show. When box 268 is checked, a pointer and rulesfor downloading the digital audio file 234 are transferred from anInternet 222 server to content database 226 (by core module 214).Subsequently, the latest version of the radio show digital audio file234 is automatically transferred from a content provider's Internet 222server to PC 18, and from PC 18 to storage and playback system 10, bycore module 214 according to the download rules; and

3. A system to retain user preference information for the purpose ofcustomizing the web-based content guides according to the userspreferences.

Storage and datalink unit 14 includes an operating system that is Linuxin one embodiment. Referring again to FIG. 1, control firmware 270 ispresent on storage and datalink unit 14. A content database is alsostored on storage and datalink unit 14. Some functions of controlfirmware 270 include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Operate wireless LAN 34 broadcast duty-cycle to auto-discover storageand playback system 10;

2. Communicate with PC 18 via wireless LAN 34—includes management ofsecurity code that is used to encrypt wireless communications onwireless LAN 34;

3. Synchronize (transfer or delete) content as per changes in contentdatabase 226 on PC 18—When communication with PC 18 occurs, controlfirmware 270 compares the contents of content database 226 on PC 18 withcontent database 230 on storage and playback system 10. This action isdescribed in greater detail below;

4. Monitor and respond to control inputs from user interface controlmodule 50;

5. Decode digital audio files 234 and convert to analog signal 286 asper input from controls—CODECs 274 stored in memory and executed byoperating system decode digital audio files 234. Control firmware 270includes a large buffering function where hard disk drive 112 can readahead and store significant amounts of digital audio file 234 that iscurrently being decoded, in DRAM, so that hard disk drive 112 head canpark. By buffering large amounts of digital audio file 234 in this way,hard disk drive 112 head can maintain a shorter operating duty cyclewhen the head is in its read position over a platter. The less time thehead is located over a platter, the less likely a head crash will occurdue to an impulse load from the motion of automobile 42; and

6. Hard disk drive 112 temperature monitoring—The temperature sensor onhard disk drive 112 is continually monitored with a duty cycle of 1-2minutes. If the temperature closely approaches the specified operatingtemperature limits of hard disk drive 112 (typically between 5 and 55degrees Celsius), hard disk drive 112, control firmware will disablehard disk drive 112 (the platters will not be allowed to spin and thehead will be parked).

When automobile 42 is running, wireless LAN transceiver 114 is disabled,storage and playback system 10 may be operated using automobile batterypower, and automobile 42 power system is recharging storage and datalinkunit's 14 internal battery 122. When automobile 42 is turned off,storage and playback system 10 may be used to play music (discussedbelow) using internal battery 122 as the power source. When automobile42 is turned off, computer sub-system in storage and datalink unit 14 isoperational, wireless LAN transceiver 114 is enabled and, under controlof control firmware 270, broadcasts a message every 10 minutes. Thisactivity is powered by the storage and playback system 10's internalbattery 122. By using internal battery 122, the automobile's 42 mainbattery is never drawn down by storage and playback system 10 activity.This message broadcast by storage and datalink unit 14 is encoded usingthe user's security code, thus the storage and playback system 10 willonly receive a response when it is in the presence of the user'swireless LAN 34 radio-frequency field.

Once wireless LAN-based communication is established between storage andplayback system 10 and gateway storage system, core module 214 andcontrol firmware 270 engage such that the content database 226 on PC 18and content database 230 in storage and playback system 10 hard diskdrive 112 are compared and actions are taken. FIG. 14 is a flowchartshowing the process for comparing the content databases 226 and 230 andfor synchronizing content according to new user selections.

Referring to FIG. 2, user interface control module 50 is connected tostorage and datalink unit 14 via a cable, and is located in passengercompartment within reach of driver or passenger. User interface module50 may be mounted on the dashboard, or may be placed so that the usercan hold user interface module 50. User interface module 50 includes LCD52 that enables the display of three levels of the interface, channels250, playlists 254, and tracks 258. User interface module 50 alsoincludes a center four-way joystick control 70, that allows the user tonavigate between levels, and laterally within levels.

FIG. 15 shows a sequence of LCD 52 screens that describes how theinterface functions. For example, when 4-way joystick 70 is pushed up,highlight on LCD 52 moves up one level. Likewise when 4-way joystick 70is moved to the right, highlight on LCD 52 moves to the next entry onthat level. The functions of the other control buttons, such as previoustrack 66 and stop 58 are well known in the media player field:

Screen 1—the initial state of the user interface control module 50 isshown. The top line of text shows the current channel 250, the secondline of text shows the current playlist, and the third line of textshows the current track 258. The player status icon 80 shows the filledsquare symbol, which is the conventional symbol for a playback system 10that is in “stop” mode, i.e., nothing is playing. The channel 250 levelis highlighted by being graphically reversed (text is white with blackbackground);

Screen 2—This screen shows the result of activating the right navigationon joystick 70. The channel level label changes to “channel 2”. Thelabels at the playlist 254 level and the tracks 258 level also update toreflect the new items in “channel 2”;

Screen 3—This screen shows the result of activating down navigation onjoystick 70. The highlight moves from the channel 250 level to theplaylist 254 level;

Screen 4—This screen shows the result of next activating rightnavigation on joystick. The playlist 254 level changes to “playlist2”,the next playlist 254 organized under “channel 2”. The track 258 leveltext also updates to reflect the actual first track 258 included in“track 1” under “playlist 2”;

Screen 5—This screen shows the result of next activating the play/pausebutton 54 on user interface control module 50. “Track 1” begins to play;

Screen 6—This screen shows the result of next activating the next trackbutton 62 twice on interface control module 50. “Track 3” begins toplay. The player status icon 80 changes from a black square to aright-pointing triangle;

Screen 7—This screen shows the result of next activating the play/pausebutton 54 while a track 258 is playing. The track 258 stops playing andthe player status icon 80 is the “pause” icon;

Screen 8—This screen shot shows the result of a few different actions.First, the play/pause button 54 was activated, thus “Track 3” begins toplay where it left off when the play/pause button 54 was activated.Next, right navigation on joystick 70 is activated once. The track 258line advances to show the next track 258, or “Track 4” in “Playlist 2”.“Track 3” continues to play. This feature allows the user to browsethrough the channel 250/playlist 254/track 258 list structure whilecontinuing to listen to a currently playing track 258; and

Screen 9—This screen shows the result if no other buttons are activatedfor six seconds. The display reverts back to display the channel 250,playlist 254, and track 258, that is currently being played.

Audio content is played through the car's existing stereo speakers andis modified (treble, base, loudness, etc.) using the existing car stereosystem's controls.

Storage and datalink unit 14 may be removed by unlatching the left andright latches 130 and 134. There are several reasons for removingstorage and datalink unit 14: for alternate synchronization methods, toinsure operation when automobile 42 is subject to temperature extremes,and for use as a mobile media player.

There are two alternate synchronization methods. It should be noted thatstorage and datalink unit 14 continues to periodically broadcast(searching for a server) even when it is removed from automobile 42. Forscenarios where a user cannot place their automobile 42 within range ofthe home wireless LAN 34 (such as if a user lives in an apartmentbuilding), storage and datalink unit 14 can be removed and hand carriedwithin range of home wireless LAN 34, and wireless communication andsynchronization occurs as described above.

Synchronization can also occur through a wired USB connection directlyto PC 18. System control application 210 on the user's PC 18automatically recognizes storage and datalink unit 14, and performs theappropriate synchronization, similar to that which is described for inthe wireless LAN 34 scenario.

In climates where ambient temperatures that exceed the operatingtemperature range of hard disk drive 112, users can remove storage anddatalink unit 14 and store it in a heated or air-conditioned environmentwhile they are not operating automobile 42. Storage and datalink unit 14is then installed when user operates automobile 42.

Tag button 78 included on user interface module 50 in FIG. 8 is used toproduce a digital record of audio content 234 that is played on thestorage and playback system 10 that is of particular interest to theuser. When the user would like to receive more information about anaudio content item 234 he or she is listening to, the user pushes tagbutton 78. A software process is triggered whereby a record of the audiocontent being played, including information such as song (file) titleand ID3 data that is embedded in content file 234, is stored in a tagdatabase 266 in memory in the storage and datalink unit 14. The time anddate of tag button 78 activation is also stored in tag database 266.

When automobile 42 is in range of the local wireless LAN 34, the recordof tagged items is automatically transferred to tag database 294associated with system control application 210 on home PC 18 storagegateway system, from which it is automatically transferred to the user'stag aggregation page at a website associated with the user. Softwareapplications on the website process the tag record information andprovide the user with more enhanced information, or ancillary content,that is associated with the tagged content. The user can then use anyHTML-based browser, such Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator,commonly found on home PCs 18, to browse the tag aggregation web pageand associated ancillary content. Ancillary content is for exampleinformation about a particular song artist, album art, song lyrics,concert dates, options to purchase subsequent content, or informationabout purchasing and/or downloading a particular digital audio file 234.

The tag feature works with both downloaded audio content and broadcastradio content. For downloaded content, the song title and othermeta-data will be embedded in the digital audio file 234 and thus thesong title and other information can be accessed directly by the controlfirmware 270. Radio content tagging involves recording the radio tunerfrequency, time, and date information. When this data is transferred toa specific tag-processing software application on a server on Internet222, the data can be used to retrieve information about that particularsong through radio station playlist information services that publishplay lists for broadcast content.

In this embodiment, storage and datalink unit 14 is used as a mobiledigital audio player. Interface control module 50 receives power fromstorage and datalink unit 14, and storage and datalink unit 14 is ableto operate fully when operated outside of automobile. In one embodiment,a mobile interface control unit is able to plug into storage anddatalink unit 14. In this embodiment, storage and datalink unit 14 alsoincludes a headphone output jack. The mobile interface control unit isused to power on the storage and datalink unit 14, and the interfacecontrols are used as described above. When the play button is activated,the specified audio file 234 is decoded an audio signal is produced foruse with headphones. In a different embodiment, the interface controlmodule 50 includes a connector several inches down the cable 290 that isinstalled permanently in automobile 42, and is able to be unplugged fromthe installed cable 290 and plugged into a corresponding connector instorage and datalink unit 14. Thus the same interface control module 50can be used in the automobile and also as a mobile interface controlmodule 50.

To provide for hard disk drive 112 operation during a cold temperatureextreme, one embodiment of storage and playback system 10 includes ahard disk drive 112 heating subsystem. Hard disk drive 112 heatingsubsystem consists of a copper clad Kapton heating element 298 fixed incontact with hard disk drive 112 housing, as shown in FIG. 16. A thinlayer of thermally conductive adhesive is used to attach Kapton heatingelement 298 to hard disk drive 112. Kapton heating elements 298 are awell-known technology for heating items when space is a constraint.Current is send through large copper traces adhered to the Kaptonsubstrate. The current subsequently produces heat, which is conducted tohard disk drive 112 housing.

The temperature monitoring sub-system, which is an aspect of controlfirmware 270, controls the heating of hard disk drive 112 so that theoperating temperature limit is not exceeded.

In an alternative embodiment, the control interface is integrated into ahead unit 302, shown in FIG. 17, mounted in the dashboard similarly toexisting car stereo 46 head unit devices. Referring now to FIG. 18, thehead unit 302 is connected to the storage and datalink unit 14 via theanalog audio 286 cable and a serial communication standard RS-232 datacable 290, which sends and receives control messages. Head unit 302provides all of the functions of existing automobile stereo head units,but with the additional capability of providing the interface to thestorage and playback system 10, as described above. The head unit 302 isalso connected to the car's AM/FM antenna 48 via an antenna cable. Thehead unit 302 includes a stereo sound processor, audio mixer,pre-amplifier, amplifier, AM/FM (radio) tuner, and a user interface tocontrol the content and other features. The radio tuner is included inthe device so that the storage and playback system 10 can playconventional broadcast radio audio. The user switches between contentsources by activating the source button. The LCD will also show metadatathat may be embedded in the music files themselves. A tag button 78 isincluded.

The storage gateway system's connection to the Internet can be anyInternet connection means such as conventional phone line modem dial-up,a DSL connection, or a fixed wireless broadband connection, such as thatprovided by Sprint.

The mass storage memory in the storage and playback system 10 caninclude flash memory, which can be designed as all non-removable,partially removable, or totally removable. Non-removable flash memory iscomprised of flash memory chips that are permanently soldered to printedcircuit boards located internal to the storage and datalink unit 14housing. Removable flash memory is used in the form of removable memorycards, such as Compact Flash memory cards, a well known standard forremovable flash memory.

In an alternative embodiment, the head unit further includes a CD driveor audiocassette drive so that the storage and playback system 10 caninclude certain common car stereo functionality. Through the inclusionof a CD drive or audiocassette drive, a user would be able to bothlisten to downloaded music content from his/her PC 18, and listen tomusic content that is played off a CD or tape cassette.

In an alternative embodiment, a system is created that can supporttransfer and presentation of data other than music file data content,such as text and image files, video files, or interactive multimediafiles, can be downloaded to the storage and playback system 10 wherethey are displayed on a high-resolution graphics LCD. Through thisapplication the user can send information, such as driving directions,maps, or movies, to the storage and playback system 10 and thus hasaccess to that information while he/she is in the car.

In the case of movies, such as MPEG files, car passengers can watchvideo entertainment while traveling. Thus the storage and playbacksystem 10 would include one or more larger video display units, as wellas alternative audio output interfaces. For example, the driver canlisten to broadcast radio while passengers in the back seat watch anMPEG movie, listening to the movie audio using stereo headphones.

In a further embodiment the storage and playback system 10 can be usedas a gateway for transferring data to other computing devices orelectronic appliances located in the car. A data link, in the form ofelectrical wires or cables is used to connect the storage and playbacksystem 10 to other devices in the car. Through this application, userscan transfer a host of information easily between their vehicle and homecomputer. Examples of this application include: transferring records ofmileage, speed, and fuel consumption back to a home PC 18; uploading newsoftware or code into a car's central computing controller to improveperformance or change settings (these changes could be released byautomobile manufacturers over the Internet); downloading map databasesinto the storage and playback system 10 for navigational use. For thisembodiment the communication link that is local to the automobile isextended to the automobile's on-board control computer. An RS-232 porton the storage and datalink unit 14 is connected to a correspondingRS-232 port on the on-board computer. New firmware is downloaded that isof a compatible format for the on-board controller. Reprogramming ofautomobile operational parameters is performed now. Dinan Engineeringprovides engine controller firmware upgrades for BMW automobiles thatprovides improved performance and efficiency. Furthermore, BMWs havecertain features that are reprogrammable at a BMW dealership. Forexample, BMWs can be programmed to automatically lock all doors a fewseconds after the automobile is in motion after occupants have enteredthe car. This feature can be activated or de-activated, depending on thepreference of the user with the use of a dedicated automobile featureprogramming application that runs on the home PC 18.

In a further embodiment, the storage and playback system 10 can be usedto transfer audio voice files from the home PC 18 to the car and fromthe car to the home PC 18. In this embodiment, the storage and playbacksystem 10 head unit further includes a microphone that is used tocapture voice recordings that are then stored in memory. Examples ofthis application include: recording messages for oneself that can laterbe transferred to and stored on a home PC 18; recording messages foroneself at the home PC 18 (such as street directions) and then storingthem on the storage and playback system 10 for use when driving. Amicrophone mounted near the driver seat is wired to an A/D converter anda DSP subsystem included in the storage and datalink unit 14. An aspectof control firmware on the storage and datalink unit 14 allows the userto trigger a recording function and the user's voice is encoded by thedata and storage link unit and stored until the automobile is in rangeof the home wireless LAN 34, when it is transferred to the home PC 18automatically.

In another embodiment, the storage and datalink unit 14 is designed suchthat the battery and wireless LAN transceiver are integrated into thedock 126, and the processing components (including the USB connector) ofthe storage and datalink unit 14 are internal to the removable part ofthe storage and datalink unit 14. The wireless LAN transceiver 114 andbattery 122 remain in the car so that the weight of the removable partof the storage and datalink unit 14 is minimized. The user carries thedevice to a home dock, identical in form to the automobile dock 126,which is connected via USB to the PC 18 or storage gateway system. Thehome dock also provides power to the storage and datalink unit 14. Whenthe storage and datalink unit 14 is in the home dock, synchronizationtakes place.

A further related embodiment includes a removable storage and datalinkunit 14 where local battery 122 remains in the trunk (integral to thedock 126) but the wireless LAN transceiver 114 is included in thestorage and datalink unit 14. A home dock that is powered with an ACconnection is provided. The home dock converts AC from the wall into DCthat can be used to power the computer and wireless LAN transceiver 114in the removable storage and datalink unit 14. This home dock can belocated anywhere within range of the home wireless LAN 34, for example,near the entrance to the home. The removable storage and datalink unit14 is placed into the home dock, the storage and datalink unit 14receives power and immediately connects to the home LAN 34, andreplication or synchronization commences.

FIG. 18 shows an aftermarket storage and playback system 10 that is amedia player with an audio/video display unit 306 that connects to thestorage and datalink unit 14 via an RS-232 data cable 290 and an analogaudio/video cable 310, and is used in the passenger compartment tocontrol and view content 234 that is stored on the hard disk drive 112.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 19, data is transferred from thestorage and datalink unit 14 to a wireless media player unit 318wirelessly. The storage and datalink unit 14 acts as a storage gatewayand a server to the wireless head units 318. System control applicationoperates on storage and datalink unit 14. Each media player unit 318contains a wireless LAN transceiver connected to an antenna, whichallows signals to be received from the storage and datalink unit's 14wireless transceiver. The storage and datalink unit 14 contains datawirelessly transferred from the home PC 18 and Internet and stored inthe hard disk drive 112, and the head units 318 can access that datafrom the storage and datalink unit 14 wirelessly. Thus, an MP3 song orother audio stored in the storage and datalink unit 14 hard disk drive112 can be sent wirelessly to the car stereo head unit for immediateplayback, just as a movie or other multimedia can be sent wirelessly tothe wireless media player head unit 318.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 20, the storage and datalink unit14 is connected to the media player head units 322 via a 100 MbpsEthernet LAN 326 system. The 100 Mbps LAN 326 system can handle multipleaudio or video streams from the storage and datalink unit 14 to varioushead units 322, as well as the control messages.

In another embodiment, data is transferred from the storage and datalinkunit 14 to a PDA wirelessly. The storage and datalink unit 14 acts as astorage gateway and server for the PDA. The PDA has a wireless LANtransceiver, which allows signals to be received from the storage anddatalink unit 14's wireless transceiver. The storage and datalink unit14 contains data wirelessly transferred from the home PC 18 and storedin the hard disk drive 112, and that data can be accessed wirelessly bythe PDA, for use anywhere in the car or within range of the storage anddatalink unit 14. This data could include such content as dailyschedules, driving directions and maps, digital movies if the PDA hasvideo decoding and playback capabilities, as well as single ormulti-player games.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of an automobile with both a wireless LANtransceiver 114 and a wireless WAN transceiver. The user can request anddownload content regardless of where the automobile is located. However,since WAN bandwidth is more expensive and slower, the WAN contentdownloads would be limited to narrowband information that is timesensitive, such as traffic updates and messages. The WAN channel canalso upload tag messages based on user tag button activations. The tagmessages are routed to the corresponding tag processing server.

In this embodiment, the WAN (cellular) chipset is located in the storageand datalink unit 14. A separate antenna is used and also connected tothe WAN radio input. The operating system on the storage and datalinkunit 14 includes software that monitors and controls the WAN subsystem,receiving and recording content, and sending content (messages) orconnecting to the cellular system for real-time voice transmission.

A storage and playback device and a method for using the same have beendescribed. Although the present invention is described herein withreference to specific embodiments, many modifications and variationstherein will readily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are included withinthe intended scope of the present invention as defined by the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a computer systemcommunicably coupled to a wireless local area network, the computersystem automatically obtaining, storing, and sending digital mediacontent and navigation information via the wireless local area networkto a storage and playback device when the storage and playback device iswithin range of the wireless local area network, wherein the computersystem is located remotely from the storage and playback device, andobtains at least a portion of the digital media content and navigationinformation automatically at one or more scheduled times from one ormore digital media content servers and map databases via a wide areanetwork based on user-defined preferences input into the computer systemby a user, wherein the storage and playback device automaticallyauthenticates itself on the wireless local area network when the storageand playback device enters into range of the wireless local areanetwork, and wherein the computer system sends the digital media contentand navigation information via the wireless local area network to thestorage and playback device in response to the storage and playbackdevice authenticating itself on the wireless local area network.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital media content is organized anddisplayed in a hierarchical arrangement having a plurality of levels. 3.The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality of levels includeschannels, playlists, and tracks.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe channels include the playlists and the playlists include the tracks.5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the computer system furthercommunicates digital media content based on a specific, user-input levelof the plurality of levels in the hierarchical arrangement, wherein allcontent of the specific, user-input level and content of levels belowand included within the specific, user-input level in the hierarchicalarrangement are communicated.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecomputer system updates firmware on the storage and playback device overthe wireless local area network.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe storage and playback device is used to play a second portion of thedigital media content over an automobile's speakers.
 8. A method oftransferring content to a storage and playback device, the methodcomprising: automatically authenticating a storage and playback deviceon a wireless local area network when the storage and playback deviceenters into range of the wireless local area network; and receiving,when the storage and playback device is within the range of the wirelesslocal area network, digital media content and navigation informationautomatically from a computer system located remotely from the storageand playback device via the wireless local area network, wherein thecomputer system obtains at least a portion of the digital media contentand navigation information from one or more digital content servers andmap databases automatically, at one or more scheduled times, via a widearea network, based upon user-defined preferences directly input intothe computer system by a user, and wherein the computer system sends thedigital media content and navigation information via the wireless localarea network to the storage and playback device in response to thestorage and playback device authenticating itself on the wireless localarea network.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the user-definedpreferences include a geographical location associated with the mapdatabases.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the computer systemobtains the portion of the digital media content and navigationinformation from the one or more digital content servers and mapdatabases when the storage and playback device is not within range ofthe wireless local area network.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theuser-defined preferences include a geographical location associated withthe map databases.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the digital mediacontent is organized and displayed in a hierarchical arrangement havinga plurality of levels.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the pluralityof levels includes channels, playlists, and tracks.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the channels include the playlists and the playlistsinclude the tracks.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingcommunicating digital media content based on a specific, user-inputlevel of the plurality of levels in the hierarchical arrangement,wherein all content of the specific, user-input level and content oflevels below and included within the specific, user-input level in thehierarchical arrangement are communicated.
 16. The method of claim 8,wherein the computer system updates firmware on the storage and playbackdevice over the wireless local area network.
 17. The method of claim 8,wherein the storage and playback device is used to play back a secondportion of the digital media content over an automobile's speakers. 18.A non-transitory, computer-readable medium having instructions storedthereon that, upon execution by a processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: automatically authenticating a storageand playback device on a wireless local area network when the storageand playback device enters into range of the wireless local areanetwork; and receiving, when the storage and playback device is withinthe range of the wireless local area network, digital media content andnavigation information automatically from a computer system locatedremotely from the storage and playback device via the wireless localarea network, wherein the computer system obtains at least a portion ofthe digital media content and navigation information from one or moredigital content servers and map databases via a wide area networkautomatically, at one or more scheduled times, based upon user-definedpreferences input into the computer system by a user, and wherein thecomputer system sends the digital media content and navigationinformation via the wireless local area network to the storage andplayback device in response to the storage and playback deviceauthenticating itself on the wireless local area network.
 19. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 18, wherein the computer systemupdates firmware on the storage and playback device over the wirelesslocal area network.
 20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18,wherein the user-defined preferences include a geographical locationassociated with the map databases.